noun
adverb
AD-vurb/ˈædvɜːrb/
A word that modifies a verb, adjective, another adverb, or a whole clause.
In “the rabbit runs swiftly,” the adverb describes its speed.
Etymology
Literally “that which is added to a verb,” the name describes a word that limits or extends a verb’s meaning. The grammatical category also includes words qualifying adjectives and other adverbs.
In context
Most of the time an adverb is going to modify a verb, so a verb is one of the things it modifies.
More examples
- An adverb can modify an adjective as well as a verb.
- She moves the adverb to change the sentence's emphasis.
- Not all adverbs end in the letters “ly.”
Forms
adverb · adverbs
adverbial adjective — Serving the grammatical role of an adverb.
Similar words
- modifier
- Includes words and phrases with several different grammatical roles.
- adjective
- Usually modifies a noun rather than a verb or clause.